When we take liberties with real life.

[old_prof]

But the question is still on the table. Where (else) does literary license defy real world facts.

When ihe violation prevents the suspension of disbelief. This is reader specific because some facts are well known or obvious to some, while completely unknown and unsuspected to others. It may not even need to be a violation of the real world if it violates the reader's expectations of the world.

A single minor violatios may just be an annoyance to a reader, but a major one, or a collection of minor ones makes the story unreadable.

 

[Cagivagurl]

Finishing a drink quickly to show displeasure, so they can leave. Is something I'm sure a lot of writers have used at some point.
It's a nice easy method of show don't tell.
There are others and I'm sure readers understand that it is used because most people understand... The author is trying to show emotion without having to explain.
Slamming car doors... Holding your hand up in somebodies face to stop them talking...
Readers are intelligent.. Mostly... They understand.

Just my thoughts

Cagivagurl

 

[AG31]

Mr Swingum suddenly reached for his tea and drained the cup in one go.

If you insert "the rest of " it would work fine for my literalist self.

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

But ordinary people, just emptying a glass?

A cup is usually four ounces. I like the odds.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

A cup is usually four ounces. I like the odds.

Never tell me the odds.